John swaps East End for the West Coast for panto duties

Iconic soap actor John Altman, who played EastEnders villain nasty Nick Cotton, will be heading to the bay this festive season playing a very different role on stage.

He’s appearing in Jack in the Beanstalk as King Custard at the Princess Theatre, Torquay.

“I like playing a variety of characters and I’ve been doing horror in the lead up to pantomime,” he said.

“People will see me in a different light playing King Custard that’s for sure, I’ve been promoted. He’s quite a comical character, so will make a nice change for me.”

John is no stranger to the theatre having been in productions on the stage before.

“I’m really looking forward to returning to Torquay,” he said.

“I was in Bouncers years ago and I can remember coming in the touring production of Chicago. I was playing Billy Flynn, which was one of the best parts I’ve ever played.

“I really enjoyed my time there and it’s nice to come back. I really love the theatre too.”

Above: John Altman in panto action

He’ll star in the family friendly show alongside Jennie Dale (CBeebies and Swashbuckle Star) as Fairy Fushcia and Matt Lapinskas (Dancing On Ice and Eastenders star) as Fleshcreep.

“Matt Lapinskas is with me and he was in EastEnders too, so that will be good,” he said.

With a heavy show schedule John has a quiet Christmas planned.

“When I’m doing pantomime there isn’t time to enjoy it all, as it’s so busy,” he said.

“We have two shows on Christmas Eve and one on Boxing Day, so I’ll have one day off on Christmas Day and being miles away from home I tend to take it easy.

“A couple of years ago I went to see my daughter and granddaughter in Luxembourg as they live there. I don’t get to see them often enough, but they do get over here.”

We couldn’t let him go without talking about playing soap legend Nick Cotton.

John played the infamous character on and off for 20 years, until the troublesome villain was killed off in 2015.

“On a serious note, one of the things I’m most proud of is my portrayal of Nick as a heroine addict and his withdrawal from drugs,” he said.

“We also did an offshoot of EastEnders called ‘Soap Bubble’ and I was in virtually every scene. The focus was on Nick coming out of prison and tracking down his son. That was a good experience and was non-stop for me.

“There’s no doubt playing the character changed my life and at one point I was rated the most hated villain alongside Dirty Den and JR from Dallas!’’

Above: John as Nick Cotton. Image: Wikipedia 

He said when he was out and about, people regularly used to call him Nick on the streets.

“You just put up with it and get used to it,” he said in jest.

John started out working in theatre before heading to London in 1977 and along the way he’s appeared in some legendary films such as Quadrophenia, Return of the Jedi and An American Werewolf in London.

“I did Quadrophenia, which was a huge step forward for me and became a cult movie,” he said.

“Even now I go to conventions focused on the film. I am off to Runcorn for one soon with Phil Daniels and other cast members. It has a big following even now,” said John, who played Johnny 'John the Mod' Fagin in the classic film.

“Return of the Jedi is well known, but you will blink and miss me in it. In An American Werewolf in London I played a policeman.”

More recently he did a film called Lucas and Albert about two ageing hitmen who are used to working alone but are now brought together by bossman Mr Mac to tie up some loose ends from a robbery some 20 years earlier. In the movie John played Charlie.

The film won ‘Best Feature Film' at the National Film Awards, which John was thrilled about.

“We were taken aback to win,” he said.

“It’s a little low-budget film like that and when they announced it, we all just looked at each other and couldn’t believe it as we were up against the Elton John film Rocketman as well. We were surprised and joyful.”

John, who is now 72, is working with a young cast at the panto and he has one piece of advice for them.

“Make the most of it and don’t squander your wages,” he said wisely.

See Jack and the Beanstalk at the Princess Theatre from December 13 to January 4.